In the market for a lighter saltwater reel
 

I have my ZX25 and after my recent trip down south I think I want a spare in a smaller size. It would be for travel and river/inshore boat fishing. I'd like it to have a respectable drag and smooth operation. Liveliner feature would be nice, but durability and smooth operation trump that feature.

Leaning towards something from Shimano but I thought maybe someone here had some knowledge and experience to pass on for this size.

I was hoping that the SSV 4500LL would be a good tool, but I'm hearing mixed reviews and don't want to chance it at this time.

I also have the Z25.

My lighter setups are vs150 and vs100.

The VS100 is super light and without going to a freshwater reel, it is
probably one of the lightest saltwater reels you can buy in its
size....its like 11 oz.

I mostly used it in the kayak and for targeting halibut in the
Southern california surf, but now use it as an early season reel. It
really pairs up nice with a steelhead rod. Mine is on a lami g1311.
Awesome combo to catch a 10 lb striper on....

Love my Cabo 40 for just that type of fishing.

I had problems with my cabo series reels
The VS 100 doesn't cast too well
The stella 5000 is a great drag and caster but durability is suspect
The 150 is outstanding all around

Interesting. I have never had problems with the casting distance on
my VS100. Even though their weight on paper is nearly the same, I
have never really considered comparing them closely. I use the
VS100 for really light stuff, so I consider them more to be apples and
oranges.

But it raises a point. It really depends on the application, and
what you want to use it for and what you pair it with. I don't think
that the VS100 pairs well with a regular surf rod, its like the spool head
is undersized for the guides or something. It seems to pair nicely
with a steelhead rod, and I bet it would be good with a boat rod.
Also, the heaviest braid I can put on it is 15 #. I tried 20# once and
it really effected casting distance. I bet 10# would be even better.

What I like about the VS100....is that I can use it with a freshwater
rod if I want. Its really a sick reel. In CA, I have used it for both 5lb
halibut all the way up to 25 lb BlackSea bass. Its a solid little reel.

I do agree with Sea Dangles on the VS150. I really like using
the 150 and most of the time I am using it over my Z25. I match it
up with either my 1084 or ss9m. I mostly fish the LI sound and
about 90% of that is with the VS150. If you buy a 150...the z25
might become your backup. Unlike the 100 you can put it on a 10'
rod in a pinch...and it will still perform decent. After re-reading your
intended use as a backup....it might be a better choice.

If you're a Shimano guy, take a look at the Saragossa 5000. Nothing fancy, but unlike most Shimanos, it's a pretty simple design internally, and easy to self-service. If it's not going to be fed a diet of sand, it should hold up fairly well. It's not sealed, but I believe (not 100% sure) that it has a sealed drag. They run in the $200 range.

But if money is no object, the VS 150 would be a good choice. I think that weight on the 100 and 150 are pretty similar, and no one ever got hurt with a little extra line capacity.

Thanks for all the replies guys, I'm not looking for a VS level reel, although I did love my 25. Was hoping for something bailed and a little more on the "backup" budget
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I really like the Thunnus TU6000Ci4
very nice light weight reel, nice drag and retrieve and has a bait feature

Is it smaller in size? I have a couple 7-8' factory rods that don't love the height/spool size of my 25

Ditto... I have 2 of 'em, love those reels.
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When In Florida I use both the 6000 and the 5000. both reels are very nice for backwater fishing and the baitrunner feature is nice if you need it. The 6000 is comfortable at 18 oz and the 5000 even more on lighter rods is only 12 ounces. both have plenty of retrieve and both offer a nice drag as well. As always go check them out for yourself but I have enjoyed fishing them.

I'm using the strdic FJ 5000. It's very 11 oz. has good line capacity. I got it for Christmas so I've only caught holdovers on it. I think this will fit the bill.
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Check out the new Boca PT 50, very nice reel and short $$.

Thanks Dave, I like the baitrunner feature for the boat. Nice to just let live bait swim around. Not necessarily a must have, but if I found a reel that met all my criteria AND had it, I'd be very happy. I think I will try this one out.

I had thought about this reel, but was kinda trying to stay lower than $200 for the reel. However, given that it is that light (guess I skipped over that in my research) I might be willing to give it a shot.

I am going to have to check these out, more than one person suggested it.

Saragosa or Spheros.

We've sold a LOT of Spheros over the years, there's not a question in my mind it's one tough, inexpensive reel.

You can bump up to the Saragosa if you want a little more "luxury". It does have a little more metal in some areas like the handle as opposed to fiberglass/carbon reinforced plastic.

There's nothing wrong with a Shimano Baitrunner, plenty of those are out there and well tested too.

The new Boca and Cabo look pretty good. They are selling well but they are new, no real feedback at this point.

I love the Cabos! I fish a 30,40,60. Also the new smoke saltwater version is awsome. For great $$$ they are great for the lighter side.
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I'm liking the stuff I am reading about the cabo. Wondering how well a 50 would pair to a smaller rod. Might be the reel for me.
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There is a pretty noticeable difference between the Cabo 40 and the 50. I love the 40. Don't have a 50 but I believe they were the same frame as the 60, and I can't stand the 60 I have as a back up. (Should just sell it.) Anyway, be sure to give the 40 a good look.

It looks like the 2013 redesign has the 40 and 50 sharing a body and the 60 and 80 sharing one. Only 4 sizes...

Now I stumbled onto the smoke series... man my head is spinning